THE ‘OTHER BALL’ TO BENEFIT CHILDREN

THE ‘OTHER BALL’ TO BENEFIT CHILDREN

By:  Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger

The holiday season is bringing people together to share the gift of love, sharing and giving.

On December 10, 2013, the ‘Other Ball’ brought celebrities out to celebrate and bring awareness to a plight that affects children living in extreme adversity right here at home.  It all took place at the Highline Ballroom in the heart of New York City.

Arms Around The Child is an organization that continues to work to provide a loving home, medical treatment, protection, respect and education for children who have lost their parents to AIDS, who may be living in adversity, suffering from sexual abuse, neglect or exploitation. It is all about transforming the lives of these children and opening the door to a very bright future.

The entire event was sponsored by TopShop ,TopMan.  You could feel the love warm the entire room. British producer, Mark Ronson, hosted this incredible event.  The performances that took place were exceptional.  The Black Keys were the highlight act of the evening.  A$AP Rocky, Mikky Ekko, Lykke Li, Miguel and Nate Ruess from FUN. gave the audience a night of some of their best hits all in the name of philanthropy.  Samantha Ronson served as DJ for the evening.

The most informal yet personal of settings provided the backdrop for the festivities with songstress Alicia Keys and filmmaker, David Lynch, attending via video with their own special messages for the honorees of the evening.  One of the masters of the musical industry, Clive Davis, was a guest speaker who stressed the importance of assisting these children affected by the most dire of circumstances.  Davis commended Leigh Blake, President of Arms Around The Child, for her diligence and fine work for 25 years as a strong advocate to the cause.

Sitting and listening intently on the sidelines was the charismatic Leonardo DiCaprio, taking it all in and showing his support.

Leigh Blake puts a tremendous effort towards AIDS advocacy.  She has been most instrumental in working with celebrities and artists to bring about change. Over the years, Blake has made her mark in using the power of fame and celebrity to make the world a better place. One of the evening’s honorees, famed photographer and Rolling Stone icon, Mark Seliger, said it perfectly in a speech that evening, “Bono and I both agree. There are three things in life that are certain: You will pay taxes, you will die and you WILL say yes to Leigh Blake.”

“Leigh has brought punk rock to the charity world, “added Peter Edge, CEO of RCA Records, who was also honored last night as a quiet revolutionary.

Arms Around the Child auctioned off an array of incredible items and experiences including couture leather bears that were custom designed and donated to the auction by top fashion designers, including Christian Louboutin, Topshop, Topman, Alexander Wang, Simon Doonan, Opening Ceremony, Chromat and Thom Browne.

“Through the auction at The Other Ball, Arms Around the Child will be able to protect many kids who would otherwise be prey to sexual abuse, exploitation, hunger and neglect,” said Leigh Blake. “I am incredibly thankful to all those who came out to support our cause last night.”

It may seem hard to believe but millions of children have been affected.  With the love, kindness, financial and moral support of a more fortunate portion of our society, the sun will begin to shine and the world will be a much better place.  Thanks to Leigh, Arms Around The Child, TopShop and TopMan.  This debut fundraiser and Ball will now become an annual event going forward, hopefully becoming more successful with measurable results as the years go by.

PHOTO CREDITS:  Getty Images (Noam Galai)